Gov't minister stabbed in Nepal, prompting manhunt

Nepalese authorities have launched a massive manhunt for assailants who stabbed a government minister in Katmandu.

Energy Minister Gokarna Bista was attacked outside his house Monday night, just hours after he was appointed to his new position. He suffered wounds to his head and neck and was in critical but stable condition at a hospital.

Police spokesman Kedar Dhakal said Tuesday they have detained more than 50 people for questioning and have stepped up security around the capital. The motive for the attack was not immediately known.

Bista is a member of the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist Leninist).